OSHA uses the word “specific” 10 times in its LOTO standard, and yet, the vast majority of the LOTO programs we come across are not even specific to the facility, much less specific in how they define and quantify critical elements.
To save you time from looking them all up to prove I’m wrong, here they are: (emphasis by me)
1910.147(c)(4)(ii). The procedures shall clearly and SPECIFICALLY outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following:
1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(A) A SPECIFIC statement of the intended use of the procedure;
1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(B) SPECIFIC procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy;
1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(C) SPECIFIC procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and
1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(D) SPECIFIC requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.
1910.147(e)(3) Lockout or tagout devices removal.
Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device. Exception to paragraph (e)(3): When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that SPECIFIC procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented and incorporated into the employer's energy control program. The employer shall demonstrate that the SPECIFIC procedure provides equivalent safety to the removal of the device by the authorized employee who applied it. The SPECIFIC procedure shall include at least the following elements:
1910.147(f)(3)(ii) Group lockout or tagout devices shall be used in accordance with the procedures required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section including, but not necessarily limited to, the following SPECIFIC requirements:
1910.147(f)(4) Shift or personnel changes.
SPECIFIC procedures shall be utilized during shift or personnel changes to ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device protection between off-going and oncoming employees, to minimize exposure to hazards from the unexpected energization or start-up of the machine or equipment, or the release of stored energy.